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House Tax
Ludhiana, September 18 The fact came to fore during the MC house meeting yesterday, where famous shopping malls like Westend Mall, Flamez, Gowardhan Mall near Jagraon Bridge, along with clubs like the Sutlej Club, were found to be on the defaulters list. Investigations reveal that house tax of around Rs 4 crore from Westend Mall, Rs 1 crore from Gowardhan Mall and below Rs 1 crore from Flamez is still pending. MC officials said, a notice was issued to Westend Mall by former municipal commissioner G.S. Ghuman and the mall owner had been asked to present before the commissioner tomorrow i.e. September 19. They added that they were not sure whether new municipal commissioner A.K. Sinha would like to pursue the matter or not. Notably, the house tax evasion by them has been reported several times, but due to political interference and bureaucracy, taking payments from these clubs and malls is one of the biggest challenges. For the past few years, many examples have come to fore where notices of house tax defaulters of elite clubs have been published, yet the Municipal Corporation had failed to recover the money. Lashing out at house tax committees, Congress councillor Parminder Mehta said, "Every zone has a house tax committee of three members, but even their presence has failed to evoke any positive response. In fact,
their functioning too needs to be enquired. We need to have a specialised computer software
tha calculates house tax."
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Maize cob sheller draws farmers
Ludhiana, September 18 Newly developed technologies for post-harvest management and value addition for commercial and farmers use, including maize cob sheller and pomegranate aril extraction, were the special attraction. A large number of farmers and people from the industry took a keen interest in the food processing technologies. V. Eyarkai Nambi, scientist, Transfer of Technology (TOT) Division, CIPHET, said maize cob sheller (MCS) saved a lot of time than prevalent method of removing maize grains with hands. It was designed in such a manner that any size of maize cob could be processed without any difficulty. "This is available at the cost Rs 4,000 and even an ordinary farmer can buy it," he added. Nambi added that they had developed pomegranate seeds extractor for extracting its seeds from fruit through handheld and mechanically operated machine. "In the mechanically operated extractor, 500 kg fruits can be processed in an hour without any difficulty and in the process, not more than 1 or 2 per cent seeds are damaged." Visitors were also made acquainted with various technologies developed by CIPHET, including low-cost flour mixer, mustard sauce, method to prepare dried garlic slices, mobile agro-processing unit for cleaning, grinding of food grains. Dr Deepak Raj Rai, head of transfer of technology, CIPHET, and Dr R. T. Patil, director, said their institute had developed a number of technologies for the benefit of farmers/industries. |
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Befooling consumers at Kisan Mela
Ludhiana, September 18 A large number of stalls were also selling ice creams, soft drinks and juices, which did not have a date of manufacturing or date of expiry, thereby posing a question mark on the working of the district health authorities, the regulatory authority, to check the PFA. It is mentioned in the PFA Act that in case of food products which do not have shelf life for more than a week, producers need not mention the manufacturing date, but will have to furnish the expiry date. Also, it is mandatory to have the date of manufacturing on the food products and beverages with shelf life of more than one week. There were a large number of takers for chocolate ice cream, manufactured under the brand of Kool Kat, which to the surprise of many did not have any manufacturing or expiry date. The "unbranded" milk was being sold to the rural crowd in small glass bottles which were not even sealed but had plastic lids. Also, the unbranded milk was sold for Rs 20 as compared to Rs 12 for the other brands of milk. Another stall was selling cola, orange and lime soft drinks with the name of "Black Commando" and none of the bottles had the date of manufacturing. Interestingly, the lids carried a special warning that read, "Best before three months of manufacturing,". Civil surgeon Dr Maninderjit Singh said the team of health officials had already collected the samples and action would be initiated against the violators.
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Chawla cycle parts body chief
Ludhiana, September 18 Meanwhile, Gurmeet Singh Kular has been elected senior vice-president, Harpal Singh vice-president, Rajnish Gupta secretary and Parveen Kumar joint secretary. Jagatvir Singh was elected propaganda secretary and Surinder Singh finance secretary. About 20 candidates were in the fray for various posts of association. The main fight was between the Inderjit Singh Navyug and the DS Chawla group. Chawla said that after winning, his association would try to streamline the working of the association, which had lost its focus. “We will work for the betterment of the association. The issues, which have not been represented well till recently, will be taken up with both the state and the Central governments. We will try to get the green and dry industry in residential areas designated as master plan for the city had already come. Industry-related issues will come to fore,” said Chawla. |
Farming becomes costlier
Ludhiana, September 18 The farmers evinced more interest in knowing the new technologies developed by the PAU experts, particularly, which could reduce the cost of cultivation. The farmers also made lot of purchase of farming literature published by the Punjab Agricultural University and some private organisations. During an interaction with cross-section of the farmers, The Tribune reporter was told that they had to spend huge money on purchase of diesel to offset the impact of no rains. Sukhwinder Singh, a farmer of Malkalan of Barnala district, informed this reporter that he used to buy 20 litre of diesel everyday in the past years. But this year, he had to buy from 60 to 65 litres of diesel daily to run the tube-well at 8 HP engine to irrigate the paddy crops. He further said the water level had been going down with a result that they had to put up genset or electric motors of the high horse power, which too were very costly. Another farmer from Muktsar district, who owns 15 acres of land, said the condition of the small and marginal farmers had been particularly very pitiable. The landlords have raised the annual patta ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 per crop per annum. The small and marginal farmers were now getting themselves engaged in dairy farming. The farm labour has also become very costly and the daily wage has risen to Rs 200 with food. The farmers revealed that the government was supplying kerosene at the rate of 5 litres per month, which was known as the "Jattan Da Tel" has also
been stopped. Kuldeep Singh of Fatehgarh Jattan (Ludhiana) village lamented that farming had become a losing proposition as the cost of inputs like pesticides, seeds and fertilisers has risen manifold. There was a lot of shortage of labour force in the villages. The farmers were very critical of the Punjab State Electricity Board and said the tall claims of making eight-hour power supply to tube-wells were just a hoax. They were not getting electricity for more than six hours. Farmers expressed their satisfaction with the farm literature published by the university as they felt that it was helpful and educative about the new technology. Another farmer Gursewak Singh said he had to sow paddy twice, but still, he was not hopeful of getting good yield. He said the sale of wheat seeds at the kisan mela at the rate of Rs 2,500 per quinttal was quite high. Punjab Agricultural University sold farm literature worth Rs 5 lakh. Gurpreet Bir, marketing head, Modern Kheti, said they had also sold literature worth Rs 5 lakh. He said the farm women showed lot of interest in farm literature. Dr Manjit Singh Kang, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, expressed his satisfaction over the turn-out of the farmers during the two-day Kisan mela. He estimated that more than two lakh farmers visited the mela this year. He assured the farming community of Punjab that the university would strive hard to serve them.
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Veg transplanter major attraction
Ludhiana, September 18 The transplanter that can transplant seedlings from 1.5 to 2.5 acre of land in a day, attracted huge crowds. Enthusiastic farmers, who had come from various states to attend the mela, thronged the venue, where the machine was on display to have a glimpse of the transplanter and see its demonstration. Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Dr Jagtar Singh Dhiman, additional director, communication, PAU, said the transplanter was the brainchild of the scientists of the department of farm machinery and power engineering of PAU. "The transplanter that costs Rs 40,000, can transplant seedlings of cauliflower, bringal, onion and chillies with great efficiency," said Dr Dhiman. He added that the machine prepared bed for crop, transplants and waters the area simultaneously. "It provides precision and timeliness to the process of transplantation and increases efficiency as well. The transplanter can prove to be a great boon for the vegetable growers," said Dr Dhiman. Interestingly, the distance of seedlings can also be adjusted during the transplantation process with advice from the experts.
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Kisan Mela concludes
Ludhiana, September 18 Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sarabjit Singh Chahal, Vice-Chancellor, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, who was the chief guest, lauded the PAU for its efficient system of research, education and transfer of technology. “The PAU has a well working research extension farmers-industry linkage,” he said, adding that it could be a model for other state agricultural universities. He also appreciated Punjab farmers for making efforts to deal with the drought-like conditions that prevailed in the recent past by making additional efforts in terms of arranging diesel for fields and invertors for homes. He appreciated the research carried out by the PAU in dealing with diminishing water and soil health deterioration. Dr Chahal also invited the PAU authorities to visit MPUAT and to send farmers' groups for interaction. PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang said it was a matter of pride that farmers from Punjab and adjoining states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi participated in the mela. Meanwhile, the Pashu Palan Mela of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) also concluded here today with a note to meet again with new researches and latest information.
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Notification for UGC scales in PAU
Ludhiana, September 18 Welcoming the state government’s decision, Punjab Agriculture University Teachers’ Association (PAUTA) vice-president Harmit Singh Kingra said the teachers were thrilled over the notification. Members of the association thanked Punjab Agriculture Minister Sucha Singh Langah and secretary, Agriculture, Navreet Kang.
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US Embassy team visits PAU
Ludhiana, September 18 The members interacted with PAU Vice-Chancellor Manjit Singh Kang, who provided information about the university. He said PAU had already inked agreements with a number of US universities and had sent young faculty members to universities like Colorado State University, University of Wisconsin, Kansas State University, University of Florida and Ohio State University for collaborative programmes in identified areas. The deans and directors, officers, additional directors and senior scientists, also participated at the interactive meeting. Brandt said there were many programmes where faculty members and students could become part of the collaboration between the two countries. She said Fulbright programme could provide the necessary support in nano science, electron microscopy and other fields.
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Councillor’s resignation tactic works
Ludhiana, September 18 Besides, the Mayor, along with zonal commissioner B.K. Gupta and a fleet of officials, went to Jain's residence to tender an apology and assure her that development would be done on a priority basis in her area. Ruchi Jain submitted her resignation to municipal commissioner A.K. Sinha and the Mayor on September 10. She had also resigned from the BJP, along with her husband Tarun Jain on the same day, decision of which is still pending. In fact, playing of cards by the couple was witnessed in the MC house yesterday too. A proposal was read by BJP councillor Gurdeep Singh Neetu, stating that "Ruchi Jain has sent a proposal to be read before the house. According to it, the Bahadurke Textile and Knitwear Association has requested the Municipal Corporation to allow the outfit to develop infrastructure like roads, streetlights, sewer etc on Bahadurke Road." While councillors were trying to approve the proposal, it was stalled by A.K. Sinha. Interestingly, Ruchi Jain's husband is president of the association and has a corruption case against him with the Vigilance that is being probed by crime branch in Chandigarh. Tarun Jain, along with three MC officials was booked on charges of declaring private roads as public on Bahardurke Road and causing a loss of crores to the state exchequer. The extension of support to Ruchi Jain by the Mayor and MC officials has not gone well among many councillors who have decided to take up the issue soon.
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Last Friday of Ramzan
Ludhiana, September 18 People thronged the Jama Masjid at around 11 am and in no time, the entire place was filled with devotees, due to which traffic at Field Ganj chowk, Shahpur road and Jail road was halted. Addressing thousands of Muslims who have come to offer namaaz, Shahi Imam said they had been lucky to fast during the month of Ramzan. "The month teaches us to follow the path of honesty," he said.
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Employees union threaten to shut colleges
Ludhiana, September 18 Ultimatum came on the conclusion of protest that was organised at Arya College here today. Rajiv Bhasin and Ashwani Thakur led the activists protesting against their alleged anti-employee attitude of the SAD-BJP government. Various speakers of the union failed to fulfill promises made with the union at the time of elections. Implementation of new grades, lifting of ban on fresh appointments and merger of dearness allowance include main demands of the union.
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Probe into impounding of sale deeds
Ludhiana, September 18 Garg visited the SR office in Sarabha Nagar and checked the record for more than half an hour. He seized the important papers and took these along. He expressed displeasure the way the record was maintained. Talking to The Tribune after the inspection, Garg said he had confiscated the record and got an inquiry report prepared into the matter. ‘‘It is too early to say anything on the issue. Let me go into the details first, I will reveal everything,’’ said the DC. Sources said the DC had received a complaint that tehsildars were impounding sale deeds that were received by the office for registration. These were, however, not sent to the collector for further action. As per the rules, the impounded sale deeds were sent to the collector's office, who listened to the erring party in his court. In most of the cases, a fine was imposed. When the tehsildar did not send the impounded documents further, there were chances of some foul play. The DC was learnt to have asked the sub-registrar about the delay in dispatching the sale deeds. Moreover, he also found some sale deeds missing from the records even as the executing parties had paid stamp duty on these. The sources said once the stamp duty was paid, the sale deeds were to be kept in the office record till these were registered and passed on to the executing parties. In this case, however, there were allegations that the agents were taking the sale deeds with them and getting these signed from the tehsildars in the evenings.
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Power board employees suspended
Jagraon, September 18 The residents of Kacha Kila, Hargobindpura mohalla, Kukar Bazar, Agwar Gujjar and other localities gathered on the spot, and in protest, started raising slogans against the board. Today, Jagraon SDO Jagdip Singh, taking action against both employees Satpal Singh and Randhir Singh Dheera suspended them. He said Satpal Singh had a previous record of being drunk while on duty.
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Carnival of Lights from today
Ludhiana, September 18 A carnival is an innovative experience of shopping for handpicked lifestyle products on a common platform with the perfect ambience for a family dayout. Carnival of Lights 2009 is being held from September 19-20 at Hotel Maharaja Regency.
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Electronic Expo-29k begins
Ludhiana, September 18 LG Electronics, Videocon, Whirlpool, Kelvinator, Kenstar and many other premium brands are participating in the exhibition. Talking about the expo, HS Gogia, branch head, LG Electronics, said the exhibition was a platform to showcase their unique selling propositions and to gather the immediate feedback and incur a sales boost by attracting consumers. Electronic expo would be the one stop for the consumers seeking the best deals from an array of renowned brands of premium electronics products along with fun and frolic.
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Rani excels in essay contest
Mandi Gobindgarh, September 18 The winners were presented mementos. Principal, Dr Suresh Tandon, congratulated the students on Hindi Diwas and further added that Hindi was the national language and with the help of the language, we could express feelings, culture and heritage of millions of people.
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City lecturer presents paper in UK
Ludhiana, September 18 The entire expense for participation and presentation were borne by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Dr Sandhu spoke on visco-viscous elastic fluids in the presence of heat conduction and rotation.
— TNS
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50 saplings planted
Mandi Gobindgarh, September 18 Around 50 saplings were planted and it also marked the celebration of tree plantation drive. Director-general of DB Group, Prof Shalini Gupta, encouraged the students to actively take part in social activities. She further stated that besides tree plantation and blood donation camps, we should reach out to slum areas and provide education to the down trodden. Engineering college principal, Dr Tejwant Singh, said keeping in mind the ever reducing forest cover we should actively take part in the tree plantation drives, as they were the lifeline of all living beings. Tree plantation also helps in checking soil erosion, which is the main cause of floods.
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Chahat, Dimpy win essay competition
Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 18 The manager, SBOP, Satish Kumar Bansal, presided over the felicitation function. The chief manager, Region IV of the bank, Naresh Kumar Nayyar, was the chief guest. Highlighting the importance of the national language of the country, Nayyar exhorted students and teachers to do maximum work in Hindi. Subash Dhamija, national language officer from regional office, regretted that Hindi could not get its due status in the society even after 62 years of the independence. Dhamija said the contest was a right step in creating awareness about Hindi. Parents, teachers and political leaders would have to launch a coordinated movement to awaken students and masses about the importance of Hindi in maintaining the integrity of the nation. Dimpy, Swati, Shikha Tangri (senior wing), Chahat, Jagdish Kaur and Sarthak Singh were felicitated for achieving first three positions in Hindi essay contest in the respective categories.
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City scientist gets Satish Dhawan award
Ludhiana, September 18 Dr K. Radhakrishnan, director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Department of Space, Government of India, Thiruvananthapuram, presented the award carrying a medal, citation and Rs 50,000 cash to Dr Sharma during ISRS Symposium-2009 at Nagpur on September 17, 2009. Dr Sharma has distinguished himself as a soil scientist and did pioneering work in soil resource mapping in Punjab using remote sensing technology. Keeping in view his contributions in teaching and research in Punjab Agricultural University for more than 18 years, he was appointed as founder director of Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) in July 1987. In recognition of his contributions to the foundation of the PRSC, he was awarded “Dolezal Award” in 1996 by the International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. He has also worked as soil survey expert in Iraq during 1978 and Nigeria in 1993. Research accomplishments of Dr Sharma at the PRSC include establishment of natural resources information system in Punjab through integrated resource studies like soil mapping, groundwater quality evaluation for irrigation and identification of micronutrient related constraints to productivity. Digital database generated for administrative boundaries, roads, canals and drains is available on the web site of Punjab government. A fellow of the ISRS since 1998 and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences since 1999, Dr Sharma is a life member of several professional societies. He remained the vice-president of the ISRS during 1992-94 and chief editor of Journal of the ISRS from 1996 to 2002. He successfully organised national symposium of the ISRS in 19995. He has more than 175 scientific publications to his credit and contributed 10 chapters to books.
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Youth killed in accident
Jagraon, September 18 The driver of the Jeep, however, managed to flee from the scene of the accident. Amritpal Singh had returned back to the village last week from Dubai. The Jagraon police has registered a case against the driver and the jeep under Sections 279, 304-A and 427 of the IPC on the statement of Bhajan Singh of Chakar village.
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IT survey in city
Ludhiana, September 18 The IT department carried out investigations at Trend Hosiery, New Lajpat Nagar, Palta Hosiery, Hambran Road, Sears Knit's office, Civil Lines, Umesh Knitwears, Civil Lines (Jalandhar byepass) and Bansal Sales Corporation, a sanitary and hardware store at
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Murder accused held
Raikot, September 18 A country-made .32 bore pistol, along with four live cartridges, were recovered from him. Jugraj Singh, alias Raja, was the leader of Raja gang involved in may other criminal cases as his gang was also wanted in the Akhara Murder Case. The gang had seven armed members. One of his gang member Rupinder Singh was also arrested by Sehna of Barnala district along with fire arms. Reliable sources said Raja had confessed that five of its gang members, along with deadly fire arms, are still at large. The area of operation of the gang was rural area of Jagraon and Barnala. The Raikot police has booked Raja under Sections 25-54-59 Arms Act. Raikot DSP Narinderpal Singh Ruby said the police, on the basis of information, extracted from Raja had been raiding various suspected hide-outs of his gang member and in a day or so, the Raikot police would arrest the members of the gang.
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